This second installment of Myth Tales dives into the wild, chaotic life of Susanoo — Japan's tempestuous god of storms and sea. From being birthed out of a sneeze to slaying a monstrous eight-headed dragon, Susanoo’s mythos is as thrilling as it is unhinged. If you like gods with a flair for drama and destruction (and a redemption arc to boot), you’ll love this episode. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min•Season 9Ep. 173
Don't let anyone tell you Japan has four distinct seasons. You'll hear that a lot. But it's not true. Japan actually has five seasons. Everyone forgets... [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedti...
May 24, 2025•20 min•Season 9Ep. 172
Two tales of travel that went awry. The first is the gruesome story of "Tōdaik" ("The Candlestick Demon") and the second a sillier legend of "Minister Kibi's Adventures in China". [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the...
May 07, 2025•20 min•Season 9Ep. 171
Terrie reads Lafcadio Hearn's metaphysical story "Readings from a Dream-book," a collection of ethereal fragments that explore the nature of consciousness, mortality, and cosmic existence. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help su...
Apr 22, 2025•26 min•Season 9Ep. 170
Join Thersa on a journey aboard a magical sea turtle down to the underwater palace of Ryūjin, the Japanese Dragon God. Explore the the Ryūgūjō Castle, meet its mythical inhabitants, and delve into the powerful lore surrounding this deity. Discover Ryūjin's abilities to control tides, grant wishes, and ward off evil, and learn practical ways you might connect with the spirit of the Dragon God, from ancient prayers to modern talismans. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends a...
Apr 08, 2025•21 min•Season 9Ep. 168
Explore the fascinating legends surrounding Japan's most iconic mountain. Discover the extraordinary myth of Konohana Sakuya Hime, the stunningly beautiful goddess of Mt. Fuji who gave birth amid flames, and the bizarre tale of En no Gyōja, a mountain ascetic with supernatural powers who could hop between mountain peaks and lick swords. Beyond the folklore, learn practical information about climbing Fuji-san, why Hakone offers some of the best views, and cultural insights about Japan's most sacr...
Mar 22, 2025•16 min•Season 9Ep. 168
Ad-free versions of episodes are available to Patrons. Thank you for your support and helping us pay for rent and recent hospital bills. We couldn't do this without you! --Rich, the sound guy. In this episode of Uncanny Japan, Thersa Matsuura explores the culinary rivalry between Kanto (Tokyo region) and Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto area). Discover the fascinating differences in flavors, preparation methods, and cultural attitudes that shape Japan's regional cuisines - from miso soup bases to tempura bat...
Mar 06, 2025•17 min•Season 9Ep. 167
Join Terrie on a trip to Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion and uncover its lesser-known stories: its real name isn't Kinkaku-ji, it survived multiple lightning strikes, and visitors claim to capture photos of ghostly monks sunbathing on its golden roof. From samurai architecture to modern-day supernatural tales, this episode unravels the temple's fascinating history. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no addit...
Feb 22, 2025•13 min•Season 9Ep. 166
Take a journey through the historical walking routes of old Edo Japan, focusing on the Gokaido (Five Edo Routes). Learn about the political significance of these routes and their role in maintaining peace during the Tokugawa shogunate's 250-year reign. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese F...
Feb 06, 2025•16 min•Season 9Ep. 165
Meet Fudomyō, the fierce-looking but benevolent Buddhist deity who, despite his intimidating appearance with wild eyes and fangs, exists to help humanity. Learn about this Wisdom King's symbolic elements and the powerful Goma fire ceremony where his purifying flames burn away worldly desires and suffering. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura...
Jan 15, 2025•12 min•Season 9Ep. 164
Listen to the story of Bodhidharma, the blue-eyed monk who brought Zen to China, and his legendary feats - from crossing rivers on reeds to meditating until his legs fell off. Learn how his teachings evolved into modern Zen practices, and get practical guidance for starting your own meditation practice. Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide . Don’t Just Travel, Explore. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make ...
Jan 06, 2025•18 min•Season 9Ep. 163
Did you know there is a Shinto kami (god or spirit) of salt? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon . Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb Pa...
Dec 17, 2024•13 min•Season 8Ep. 162
Turbo Granny is a Japanese urban legend about a fleet-footed old woman, but did you know she has friends? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreo...
Dec 03, 2024•15 min•Season 8Ep. 161
Sea Pigs and Dirt Dragons — Enticing Language and a Quiz! [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon . Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb Patre...
Nov 18, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 160
Okappa, a young woman living in a town ravaged by disease, encounters a traveling performer, Hanshiro, and his monkey, Fukumimi. WARNING: This story starts out explicit without using explicit language. It's not for children who are old enough to read between the lines. From Thersa Matsuura's Bram Stoker Award-nominated short story collection "The Carp-Faced Boy and Other Tales", now available as an audiobook everywhere. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link an...
Nov 01, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 159
Follow the tragic tale of Hagiwara, a young samurai from Edo in this retelling of Lafcadio Hearn's "The Peony Lantern". [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, pleas...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min•Season 8Ep. 158
Japan’s Three Great Ghost Stories, featuring vengeful female spirits, have captivated audiences for centuries through various art forms, including ukiyo-e prints and modern horror films. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help supp...
Oct 01, 2024•14 min•Season 8Ep. 157
Japanese folklore features various tree spirits, like Kodama protectors and Jubokko bloodsuckers, with camellias shifting from auspicious to ominous. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime st...
Sep 16, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 156
An old timey audio drama skit/book promo and the strange caterpillar cult called Tokoyo no Kami. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon . Disco...
Sep 01, 2024•18 min•Season 8Ep. 155
Two fascinating phrases in Japanese that have very creepy origins. What are you really doing when you answer the phone "moshi moshi" anyway? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read ...
Aug 15, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 154
The Tale of Anchin and Kiyohime is an epic story of love, betrayal, and transformation into a serpent dragon, but there are several versions of this classic. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a be...
Jul 30, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 153
The northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, also has its own brand of yōkai and mythical creatures. Here I talk about seven of them. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you m...
Jul 17, 2024•14 min•Season 8Ep. 152
Discover the intricacies of Japanese chopstick etiquette and lore. Learn about godly chopsticks, taboos that can bring death, and the concept of 'wa' (harmony) in Japanese culture. Avoid social faux pas and deepen your understanding of this seemingly simple yet complex utensil. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books includ...
Jun 27, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 151
The joro spider, a colorful arachnid from Japan, is harmless but tied to folklore about shape-shifting brides who fatally ensnare lovers at waterfalls. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime ...
Jun 15, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 150
Listeners who are sensitive to these topics should be aware that the episode contains potentially disturbing content: TRIGGER WARNINGS: Blood & gore depiction, Body horror, Childhood Trauma, Death from exposure, Death from falling, Death of a child, Death and dying, Decapitation, Fear and anxiety, Graphic content, Injury and mutilation, Loss of limb, Mayonnaise as a pizza topping, Mental distress, Physical injuries, Supernatural and horror elements, Suicide, Violence, War If you're ever walk...
Jun 01, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 149
Have you ever had a premonition or a foreboding feeling that turned out to be true? Was it a parasitic insect living in your belly or a ghost trying to tell you something? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast...
May 15, 2024•15 min•Season 8Ep. 148
If a you hear a tree fall in the woods, but can't find any sign of that fallen tree, is it the work of a tengu, a creepy dead guy ghost, or something else? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedt...
May 01, 2024•12 min•Season 8Ep. 147
Today I'll read you Lafcadio Hearn's short story: The Mirror Maiden. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon . Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZT...
Apr 17, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 146
The two-faced, eight-limbed giant named Ryomen Sukuna has been around since very early Japan, still is he a Buddhism-protecting hero or a cursed demon who tried to destroy Japan? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the ...
Mar 30, 2024•23 min•Season 8Ep. 145
You'll often see ghostly-looking dolls strung up in windows in Japan on rainy days. What do they mean and why are they a little creepy? [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura . Check out her books including The Book of Japanese Folklore by clicking on the Amazon link. If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to yo...
Mar 15, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 144
